Empress Botanical Garden

Description

The Empress Garden is managed by the Agri-Horticultural Society of Western India. The Society has been managing the Empress Garden since 1880, with an aim to nurture and preserve flora of the region.The Garden covers a sprawling 39 acres, and is home to many rare species of trees and flowers.
In the year 1838, the ownership of the garden passed into the hands of the Government. In 1845, it further changed hands and came into the possession of Sir Charles Napier. Throughout his ownership, the garden was known as the 'Garden of Dr. Don'. The name 'Empress Garden' was given to the botanical park in honor of Queen Victoria, when she won the title of 'Empress of India'. During the British Era, the garden was a favorite amongst British soldiers.
They came here for recreation purpose and with time, the garden got the name of 'Soldiers' Garden'. It was in the year 1892 that Empress Garden came under the possession and ownership of the Bombay Government. The Government then passed it on to the Agri-Horicultural society of Western India. Today, the garden is frequented by locals as well as tourists in large numbers. It provides them the much-needed peace and serenity that seems to have become lost in the mundane routine of city life.

History

The Empress Botanical Garden is amongst the most historic and botanically important gardens in the Pune region. It was initially a “Soldiers Garden”. The Agri-Horticultural Society of Western India has been managing the Empress Garden since 1892. The land where the garden today stands was initially the property of a man known as Sardar Vithalrao Purandhare. However, its maintenance work was looked over by a General Finjer.
In the year 1838, the ownership of the garden passed into the hands of the Government. In 1845, it further changed hands and came into the possession of Sir Charles Napier. Throughout his ownership, the garden was known as the 'Garden of Dr. Don'. The name 'Empress Garden' was given to the botanical park in honor of Queen Victoria, when she won the title of 'Empress of India'. The Bombay Government transferred it to the Agri-Horicultural Society of Western India in 1892, one of the oldest of its kind in the country.

Important Information

Attraction

The Society organizes annual flower shows and arranges various programs throughout the year to create environmental awareness among people. The grand Flower Show is a huge hit with not only Puneites but from other cities as well. In an attempt to make the visit an experience for the entire family, several demonstrations, workshops, street-plays, puppet shows and audio visual presentations are organized along with an interaction with experts to provide information, generate awareness and present a platform for visitors to be able to create and develop interests in the sphere of nature and wildlife conservation, arts, culture and social responsibility.
Buds N' Blooms is one of the largest and most unique flower exhibition of the country, being held every year within the beautiful precincts of the Empress Botanical Gardens. Wide variety of flowers such as Gardenia Jasminoides, Vinca Rosea, Mussaenda Erythrophylla 'Rosea', Magnolia Mutabilis, Sarcocephalus Cordatus, Ixora Chinensis and many others. The garden has a 250 year old Banyan tree, a 150-year old Kanchan-Vel and a 30 meter tall giant bamboo in its precincts.

Things to Buy

Pune has a whole world of offerings when it come to beautiful goodies. You will love to shop for stunning local handicrafts, antique items like gramophone records or rare coins, exquisite leather items, comfy Kolhapuri Chappals, trendy fashion accessories, stylish footwear, designer dresses, Chiwda (rice flakes) and slippers made from rubber. Be sure to bargain for your favorite stuff as the local vendors tend to overcharge for the tourists.

Things to Eat

Bakarwadi : One of the treats that I take back on the return flight is the Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwala's Bakarwadi. Chitale Bandhu is a Pune institution, somewhat like Haldiram's. It makes both mithai and namkeen and bakarwadi which is an example of a savoury roll made of wheat flour that has been spread with a spicy masala mixture and deep-fried. Double egg cheese omelette and Bun Maska : There is just something about the double egg cheese omelette and bun maska combination at Vohuman Café that has people finding their way to a table even at six in the morning. Aloo paratha at Chaitanya : One of the earliest parathas to make a name for itself, the aloo paratha at Chaitanya continues to remain a favourite in spite of growing competition. Mysore Cheese Masala Dosa at Vaishali : The Mysore cheese masala dosa is probably the highest selling item on the menu of the extremely popular food joint, Vaishali. There are numerous Udipi restaurants around Pune, many of which are quite popular.

Things to enjoy

The well landscaped garden consists of lush green lawns, abundant flora and fauna, play area for kids, and a snack shack. The park has a quaint stream of water flowing throughout the garden, and is a delight for nature lovers.
The garden is trying to attract more people and has planned a lot of initiatives to succeed in their endeavor. According to the managing secretary of Agri Horticulture Society of Western India, they have recently introduced a jogging park and constructed a garden exclusively for children inside the park. There is a special place ear-marked for senior citizens which include a Pagoda type canopy.
The jogging track has an aisle for paraplegics too.
A Poly House is the latest development in the garden where fresh vegetables will be cultivated shortly. It will give children a hands-on experience at farming. Children love to go around in the pony carts available in the garden. There is a place for refreshments too inside the garden.